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Development projects or significant ground works taking place near to a pond (technically within
500m) which may potentially support Great crested newts (GCN)should be subject to a habitat assessment and/or survey.
An initial phase 1 survey or habitat assessment will determine whether a further Great crested newt survey is required.
Great crested newt surveys within ponds can only be conducted in the spring when the newts enter the ponds for
breeding - usually April to June, but sometimes as early as late January in the south of England.
The survey will
take 4 overnight visits to determine whether GCN are there or not, and a further 2 visits to make an estimate of the size
of the population if they are found.
If Great crested newts are found within a pond, it may be possible to
time works or alter project design so as not to affect the newts. If this is not possible, and GCN are likely to be adversely
affected by the project, a licence will be required from Natural England, which includes a detailed mitigation plan.
Great Crested Newts are protected under European law (enacted within the UK through the Conservation of Habitats and Species
Regulations 2010), along with all Bat species, Dormice, Otters and White clawed crayfish.
Gould Ecology are licensed to survey Great Crested Newts
and can provide advice regarding the legal requirements of development projects, managing the provision of
all ecological surveys, assessments and mitigation works that may be necessary.
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Reptiles: Grass snakes, Slow Worms, Lizards and Adders
There are four common and widespread species of reptile within
the UK - the Grass snake, Slow worm, Adder and Common Lizard. Two further species: the sand lizard and the smooth snake
occur in restricted locations and habitats within the uk.
It can be easy to overlook the presence of reptiles on
potential development sites as they are secretive and not often seen. However, they are common on brownfield sites, older
gardens and any areas of rough grassland. Grass snakes have an affinity with water also. Common reptiles are protected from
killing under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) and are a material consideration in the planning process - therefore
developers may be reqiured to conserve or replace reptile habitat. The smooth snake and sand lizard have additional protection
under European law.
Developments which have the potential to adversely impact reptiles should carry out a
survey and mitigation programme - this can usually be done without licence (except for adders, sand lizards and smooth snakes).
Reptile surveying is done by laying out 'refugia' - squares of roofing felt, corrugated metal or carpet tiles
which attract reptiles for basking. Seven visits in good weather are required, although two or three visits can
often be done in one day.
Mitigation for reptiles may involve installation of barrier fencing, and trapping reptiles
out of the construction area; or possibly simply rendering habitats unsuitable through management regimes.
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